Chewton fights for pool: Not a Castlemaine suburb, resident says

Updated November 7 2012 - 1:48am, first published March 26 2010 - 10:58am

THE Chewton community will do whatever it takes to fight the closure of their outdoor pool.Alexander Shire wants community feedback on a proposal for a $14 million indoor aquatic and leisure centre in Castlemaine.The centre would replace pools in Chewton, Harcourt and Castlemaine, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain each year.The council estimates that the five pools in the shire, including Maldon and Newstead, would cost between $6 million and $8 million to maintain in the next five to 10 years.Plans for the new aquatic centre include a heated swimming pool, a warm-water exercise pool, a fitness centre, a cafe and a creche.Chewton resident James Darling said the community would rally today to fight the closure of the pool.Mr Darling said the town wasn’t against an aquatic centre in Castlemaine but people did not want to see their pool close as well.“For us it’s a major asset. We’ve fought to retain things before, and we’ll do it again. It’s been said we are a suburb of Castlemaine.“But we are our own identity and we want to retain our assets.”Alexander Shire Mayor Philip Schier said the council had extended the time for residents to provide feedback on the proposal, and the council would not rush into a decision. “We need to get capital investment data on our outdoor pools before we can make a decision.”The rally will be held at the Chewton public pool from 10am, and residents have until April 9 to provide feedback on the council’s proposal.Chewton fights for pool: Not a Castlemaine suburb, resident saysTHE Chewton community will do whatever it takes to fight the closure of their outdoor pool.Alexander Shire wants community feedback on a proposal for a $14 million indoor aquatic and leisure centre in Castlemaine.The centre would replace pools in Chewton, Harcourt and Castlemaine, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain each year.The council estimates that the five pools in the shire, including Maldon and Newstead, would cost between $6 million and $8 million to maintain in the next five to 10 years.Plans for the new aquatic centre include a heated swimming pool, a warm-water exercise pool, a fitness centre, a cafe and a creche.Chewton resident James Darling said the community would rally today to fight the closure of the pool.Mr Darling said the town wasn’t against an aquatic centre in Castlemaine but people did not want to see their pool close as well.“For us it’s a major asset. We’ve fought to retain things before, and we’ll do it again. It’s been said we are a suburb of Castlemaine.“But we are our own identity and we want to retain our assets.”Alexander Shire Mayor Philip Schier said the council had extended the time for residents to provide feedback on the proposal, and the council would not rush into a decision. “We need to get capital investment data on our outdoor pools before we can make a decision.”The rally will be held at the Chewton public pool from 10am, and residents have until April 9 to provide feedback on the council’s proposal.

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